Project+Based+Learning

Joy Anna Karbon-Bolinger

//**Definition:**// Project Based Learning is a teaching method that allows students to learn by working through an in-depth, question driven project with real world applications. Learning occurs during the project rather then the more traditional method of teaching content followed by students completing an assessment to show understanding. Read more about PBL here.

//**Putting it to Use:**// Project Based Learning can be used as the primary teaching method or it can be used to enhance learning of large concepts and incorporate real word understanding. This method is primarily student driven, guided by the teacher, and allows the class to explore the subject matter in a more personal way. Rather then "instructing", teachers need to take on the role of guide. Because this method allows more freedom for the students, it encourages creativity and allows students to share their voice with the class. This is a great way to incorporate technology for the use of collaboration, resources, and sharing of findings. To full fill the teacher's role as guide it is important to provide rubrics, checklists and calanders for your students so that they know exactly what is expected of them. Create mini deadlines to ensure students are progressing throughout the project. Allowing oportunities to share with classmates encourages constructive feedback and class brainstorming.

//**Resources:**// >
 * The Buck Institute for Education (BIE) has been working on PBL since the 1990's and has an extremely successful publication on PBL and also does workshops for educators. Their website has many useful resources and tools for educators including some PBL rubrics for all grade levels as well as project checklists and calenders.
 * PBL University is an online resource from BIE that has already developed PBL projects for free use. They also have online classes with available certification in PBL. Their projects and classes are currently limited to Math and English/Language Arts but will be adding more.


 * This list of ideas, from Project Foundry, is a great place to start as either a teacher or a student, when brainstorming a new project.